A good week in Happy Valley was the highlight of an impressive summer season for the Passaic Valley High wrestling team.

Coach Joe Benvenuti took his team to the Penn State Wrestling Camp for four days last week and couldn't have been happier with the results.

"It was a really good trip," said Benvenuti. "Every time we go to Penn State, it's an incredible experience for our team. The coaching staff and all the wrestlers at Penn State are awesome. The work ethic, preparedness and attention to detail is insane. There's a reason why Penn State is the No. 1 program in the country for wrestling. It's just tremendous."

The Hornets were a part of Penn State's team camp and the team finished 9-2, against strong competition.

"We saw teams from Pennsylvania, New York, Michigan, Ohio, New Jersey and Maryland," said Benvenuti. "That's why we enjoy going there. We compete against kids and programs that we won't face during the season."

Before the Hornets departed Little Falls for Happy Valley last week, Benvenuti announced that Yousef Karmi, an upcoming senior this fall, was named a team captain. Karmi joins classmate Tom Marretta as captains for the 2017-18 season.

"Yousef deserves it," said Benvenuti. "He's done everything we've asked of him since the end of the season last March. He hasn't missed a workout, a weight training session or a practice. He's competed in a number of tournaments and has taken the role of a leader. I'm proud of him."

Karmi had an excellent run at Penn State, finishing undefeated in dual matches and second overall in the take down tournament.

Marretta was also outstanding at Penn State with an undefeated mark in the matches and taking third in the take down tourney.

It was also a good four days for other members of the prospective PV varsity members at PSU. Hunter Fortier had an excellent summer overall with 20 wins since June, and competed in a team-leading 16 matches at Penn State.

Greg Sabbak was 7-2 and, as usual, was a leader on the team in falls. Vincenzo Brigati continued his strong season with a good effort at Penn State. Brigati is a three-sport athlete who also excels in football and lacrosse.

Overview of Penn State University facility during the wrestling camp.(Photo: Joe Benvenuti/Special to NorthJersey.com)

Benvenuti was very pleased with the effort of junior Jordan Sconciafurno.

"Jordan was outstanding at Penn State," said Benvenuti. "He finished 9-1 and really stepped it up. He had been struggling a little, but it all clicked last week."

Zach Ulrich was also a pleasant surprise last week, finishing 6-2 and excelling in the take down round.

Some younger wrestlers also received good experience at Penn State. Incoming freshmen Guy Fontana, Justin Castaneda and Colby Sellitto have been putting in a lot of work during the summer and were impressive at Penn State. Benvenuti also noted the efforts of PJ Casale and Joseph Cangro, who will enter eighth grade this fall but have already been dominant on the junior level.

"Those guys are our future," said Benvenuti. "So, it was good for them to go to Penn State and get some valuable work in."